motivation /mōt-ǝ'vā-shen/n:

The psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal – From wordnetweb.princeton.edu

Symposium on Learning Differences and Unique Learning Profiles:

Friday, March 11, 2011 • 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.Featuring Keynote SpeakerRichard Lavoie

On behalf of Denver Academy and our conference planning committee, it is my pleasure

to invite you to attend DA’s 2011 Symposium on Learning Differences and Unique

Learning Profiles.

This year’s Symposium will be the fifth in a recent series of conferences hosted at

Denver Academy focusing on meeting the needs of students with learning differences,

their families and those professionals who serve them. Past keynote speakers include:

Dr. Daniel Amen, Dr. Robert Brooks, and Dr. Mel Levine.

This year we are excited to welcome Richard Lavoie as our keynote and closing session speaker.

Richard will be presenting a two-part lecture on student motivation and how teachers and

parents can inspire and maintain motivation in their children and students. This will be Rick’s

second visit to Denver Academy, and we are excited to have him on campus. Anyone who has

heard Rick speak knows the experience, wisdom, compassion and unique insight he brings

to the field of learning differences. Rick possesses that great combination of knowledge and

entertaining presentation style that makes him an excellent choice for keynote speaker.

We are also pleased to host a number of breakout sessions presented by Denver Academy faculty

and staff as well as other local thought leaders that are sure to motivate and inspire.

We hope to see you in March.

Mark T. Twarogowski

Director of Education

2011 Symposium Chair

Denver Academy

ScheDuLe 8:00-8:30 a.m.: Registration and Check-in

8:30 – 10:30 a.m.: Symposium Opening; Richard Lavoie Keynote

10:45 – 11:55 a.m.: Morning Breakout Session

11:55 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Lunch

1:00 – 2:10 p.m.: Afternoon Breakout Session

2:30 – 3:30 p.m.: Richard Lavoie’s Closing General Session

A Message from the 2011 Symposium chair

RichaRd LavoiE, M.a., M.Ed. Rick Lavoie has served as an administrator of residential programs for children with special needs since 1972. He holds three degrees in Special Education and has served as an adjunct professor or visiting lecturer at numerous universities including Syracuse, Harvard, Gallaudet, Manhattanville College, University of Alabama and Georgetown. His numerous national television appearances include CBS Morning Show, Good Morning Amedca, ABC Evening News and Disney Channel Presents. Rick serves as a consultant on Learning Disabilities to several agencies and organizations including Public Broadcasting Service, New York Times, and the National Center for Learning Disabilities. Rick has delivered his message to over 500,000 parents and professionals throughout North America and has the distinction of having delivered Keynote Addresses for all three of the major special needs advocacy organizations in the United States (Learning Disabilities Association, Council for Exceptional Children, Children with Attention Deficit Disorder). Rick lives on Cape Cod with his wife. Additional information may be found on his website: www.ricklavoie.com.

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KEYNoTE SPEaKER

"The Motivation Breakthrough:6 Secrets to Turning On the Tuned-Out Child"

Two-PaRT General Session:8:30 – 10:30 a.m.2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Every learning theory from Maslow to Gardner has "motivation" as its initial and fundamental step. However, few teachers have a repertoire of effective motivational strategies and techniques. In the classroom we tend to use a "one size fits all" approach by attempting to motivate all students with one single reward system, star chart or grading policy. This seminar presents an innovative and field-tested model that enables teachers to better understand and foster student motivation at all grade levels.

The workshop begins with an exploration of some of the common misconceptions related to student motivation and some of the common strategies that are, simply, ineffective (competition, reward systems, punishment). Specific approaches and strategies will then be presented that will enable teachers and parents to motivate students…and maintain that motivation throughout the school year.

This workshop, based on the book by the same name, encourages teachers to examine and identify each child’s “motivational” style and to design motivational strategies that will inspire the child to reach his or her potential.

Learning Objectives:• Thattheparticipantswillunderstandthethreebasictruthsaboutclassroommotivation.• Thattheparticipantswillre-examinethebasicclassroomapproaches(e.g., competition, punishment, reward

systems, etc.) and recognize the relative ineffectiveness of these strategies. • Thattheparticipantwillrecognizethesixfactorsthatmotivatehumanbeings(gregariousness, autonomy, etc.) • Thattheparticipantwilltranslatethesefactorsintopractical,pragmaticclassroomstrategies.andresilience.

The Secret Life of the Teenage BrainMark Twarogowski, MA, Director of Education, Denver Academy

The latest research has shown that the teenage brain is really still a “work in progress.” Brain imaging and other studies have demonstrated what many parents and teachers already know – that teenage years are a time of dramatic ups and downs characterized by mood swings and poor judgment. This session will explore the relationship between the pre–frontal cortex, responsible for reasoning and impulse control, and the limbic system, responsible for emotional processing. Join Mark as he translates the latest brain research into real-life understanding of what makes our teenagers so “darn interesting.”

Intention – Mindfulness – ReflectionEastern Philosophy in a Western ClassroomBobby Duhamel, High School Teacher, Denver Academy

During this session we will explore, through both research and practice, the benefits of meditation as well as how and when to use it. We will also discover how non-judgmental reflection can assist in identifying one’s true intention. By understanding how to “be mindful” we can illuminate a pathway of resiliency for our children.

FAST: Learning How to Work With Your Child —A Multi-Sensory Approach to Reading InstructionTammy Curran, Elementary Teacher, Denver Academy

In this session participants will learn how FAST was developed and how effective it is according to the most recent research. The instructor will show the participants a lesson while describing all levels of the FAST program. Attendees will also be given strategies to help their children while reading. The importance of fluency, comprehension and reading daily will also be discussed.

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BREaKoUT SESSioNS

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Active Bodies, Active MindsKyra Ruscio and Monica Johnson, Denver Academy Physical Education

This presentation is designed to educate parents, teachers, and students about the positive effects on the brain through participating in regular physical activity. We will give concrete examples of how exercise prepares the brain for learning and show examples of brain stimulating activities to use in the classroom and at home.

Nature Deficit Disorder: The Impact of Technology and Electronics on Children and AdolescentsDr. Matthew Brink, Counseling Department, Denver Academy

This presentation will focus on education about the science and research on brain development as it relates to technologies such as gaming, cell phones, and the internet. Emphasis will be placed on evidence-based practices and techniques for intervention. Participants will learn about new research regarding the impact of “screened technologies” on child and adolescent development; examine “best practices” for integrating technology in to healthy development; and discuss the cost of over exposure to technology and the benefits of increased direct experience in natural environments.

On Emotional Impairments: Therapist’s & Teacher’s PerspectivePhilippe Ernewein, Dean of Faculty Training, Denver AcademyCraig Knippenberg, LCSW, M.Div., Board of Trustees, Denver Academy

Researchers, parents, educators and the children/teens themselves have long recognized that exceptional students, those diagnosed with ADHD, LD, ASD, Bipolar, OCD, process their emotions in often more intense, more impulsive and more life inhibiting manners than those students without diagnosed exceptionalities. This session will address tools and strategies that help address this need in and out of the classroom.

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BREaKoUT SESSioNS

Keeping Kids Hooked on School: How After School Activities programs Keep Kids Motivated Mike Eskesen and Jon Hill, Denver Academy Physical Education

Having kids be active after school is a win – win – win proposition. The session will explain how developing and implementing an after school activities program will make the participating child a better student, help give parents support, and develop lifelong healthy habits for those involved.

Ain’t Misbehavin’: A Needs-Based Approach to Classroom DisciplineMark Wood, Upper School Head, Denver Academy

When dealing with classroom discipline problems, it is important to consider whether or not the misbehaviors serve some legitimate function for the student. This presentation will examine the relationship between the motivation to fulfill basic human needs and discipline problems in the classroom. The session will be framed around the basic human needs of security, freedom, fun, power, and belonging as outlined by William Glasser.

Mapping the Road: Tools for Implementing Student ChoiceGayle Bell, High School Teacher, Denver AcademyEmmy Shirk and Sasha Hoagland, Denver Academy Students

Education is a journey full of bumps, challenges, and far too many reluctant or apathetic passengers; we want to move our students to the driver’s seat on their road to education. By combining research and classroom experiences this session will provide templates, resources, and tips for building a student-led unit that can be immediately implemented in the classroom.Audience members will learn specific classroom strategies and develop the building blocks of at least one unit to offer authentic choice for students and gently lead and manage student-created curriculum, deepening student engagement and motivation in the classroom.

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2011 Denver Academy Symposium REgiSTRaTioN FoRM

SEND TO:denver academy

Symposium Registration

4400 East iliff avenue

denver, co 80222

Fax 720-524-5385

CHECK APPROPRIATE BLANKS:denver academy Parent ______________

Teacher ______________

Student ______________

other (explain) ____________________________

Special accommodations (explain)

___________________________________________

One participant per registration form, please. Feel free to make copies of this form.

pLeASe pRinT

Last Name First Name Middle initial

Street address

city State Zip

Phone (home) (work) Email

Please indicate your first and second choice for each breakout session. REMINDER: Each session will be presented in the A.M. and P.M. breakout sessions.

RichARD LAvoie'ScLoSing

geneRAL SeSSion

RichARD LAvoie'SKeynoTeSeSSion

LUNch

1ST

choice

2nD

choice

8:30 - 10:30 (presentation number only)

a.M. Session10:45 - 11:55

11:55 - 1:00

P.M. Session1:00 - 2:10

2:30 - 3:30

4400 East Iliff Avenue | Denver, CO 80222 | Tel: 303-777-5870 Fax: 720-524-5385 | www.denveracademy.org

Please mail this form to the address below. Contact Mary Vite or Mark Twarogowski at 303-777-5870 or symposium@denveracademy.org for more information.

*** Registration information must be received by March 4, 2011 ***

Make checks payable to: Denver AcademyWe will NOT be mailing confirmations.

Don’t forget your lunch!

RegiSTRATion feeS

current denver academy Family Member

FREE(up to 2 people)

all other Participants $75

BOX LUNCH • only $10

Regular _______vegetarian _______

MaRch 11, 2011A special thanks to the Denver Academy Parent Association (DAPA) for their generous support in making this event possible.

***PLEaSE RETURN ENcLoSEd FoRM To coMPLETE REgiSTRaTioN***

4400 East Iliff AvenueDenver, CO 80222

Registration Materials Enclosed

Symposium on Learning Differences and Unique Learning Profiles: